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No Owls deal for Watson

Sheffield Wednesday will not be handing a contract extension to club captain Steve Watson.

Last Updated: 14/05/09 2:18pm

Sheffield Wednesday will not be handing a contract extension to club captain Steve Watson.

The 34-year-old has struggled with hip problems this season and has been unable to convince the Owls that he has laid the issue to rest.

Wednesday manager Brian Laws has not ruled out the possibility of Watson being awarded a new deal should he be able to prove his fitness in the future, but admits he has no alternative but to let the experienced defender leave this summer.

"Steve Watson is a magnificent professional whose influence will certainly be missed at this football club, but he understands that because of his injury situation, the club is not able to offer him a new contract," he said.

"I'd like to go on record to thank Steve for his superb contribution to Sheffield Wednesday football club and if, once he has completed his rehab, he feels he's in a position to continue his playing career we will certainly be happy to look at the further possibilities for him with Sheffield Wednesday."

Laws has also released Liam McMenamin and Sam Liversidge, but has offered extensions to Richard Hinds, Michael Gray, Luke Boden and Arron Jameson.

Goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell has already committed to a one-year deal.